Multicultural Matters: Diversity, Policy and Ideology
10 November 2015
Multiculturalism has been proclaimed a failure in some parts of Europe but stands in sharp contrast to the successes enjoyed in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Much of the controversy about the risks and benefits of multiculturalism arises from different understandings about what the term actually means. These controversies can be resolved by “unpacking” the construct, viewing it from three distinct perspectives: diversity, policy and ideology.
During this session Professor Colleen Ward will discuss the social and psychological consequences of the “three multiculturalisms”. The lecture will also examine data from Malta to gauge the receptivity of the population to multiculturalism and the integration of culturally diverse minority groups.
Professor Colleen Ward is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. She previously held teaching and research positions at the University of the West Indies (Trinidad), Science University of Malaysia, National University of Singapore and University of Canterbury (New Zealand).
Professor Ward was former President of the Asian Association of Social Psychology (2005-7) and the International Academy of Intercultural Research (2009-11). In 2011 she was awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Rangi Hiroa Medal in Social Science for her research on cultural diversity. Professor Ward is currently a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and formerly the Editor of the International Journal of Intercultural Relations. Her research interests are in acculturation and intercultural relations.
Bookings can be made by sending an email to: pfws.opr@gov.mt
Programme
17:30 – 18:00 Welcome Coffee and Registration
18:00 – 18:05 Introduction by Dr Ruth Farrugia, Director General, President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society
18:05 – 18:15 Introduction by Dr Gordon Sammut, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Malta
18:15 – 19:00 Lecturer by Professor Colleen Ward
19:00 – 19:25 Discussion
19:25 – 19:30 Closing